My task is easy this week, as I will devote most of the space for this column to lofty comments from experts of the game in celebration of a trailblazing coach, Akeem Busari, who has brought honour to REAL advocates of grassroots football in our country, Nigeria.
He is someone whom I first got to know way back in 2005, when he was an emergent tactician in the ill-fated squad of DUFA Football Academy in Ajangbadi area of Ojo, Lagos. He showed early signs of what he is made of when he braved all odds of that major setback to stay focused and keep on waxing strong.
He soon turned up as the head coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan and I recall how I tried to get two of our young players from National Grassroots Dream Team – Adeleke Badru and Solomon Gbadegeshin – into his squad.
Like a true crusader for youth football development from the cradle, Coach Busari accepted them, gave them opportunities in two training sessions and supported them with transport money back to Lagos.
“Bros,” he told me on phone after personally putting them on a bus. “Your boys are good, but they still have to grow before they can play in the premier league.” That’s the kind of person I knew him to be from way back – soft-spoken, calm, humble, gentle, meticulous and a stickler for perfection.
From Ojo to Ibadan, back to Lagos in Agege, Maryland, Ipaja, Alade, Ikeja, Oworonshoki and other grassroots spots across the nation’s commercial capital … now on the threshold of global recognition as most likely the first Nigerian coach to win the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup. All hail Coach Akeem Busari!!!
Go tell it on the mountain, over the seas and everywhere, a gaffer with humble beginnings, who has never for once forgotten his little place of origin, is about to rule the world. Why won’t I celebrate him? Indeed, I need more space to hail Akeem Busari.
For now, though, let me just hand over to some experts of the round leather game at the grassroots and female youth development to shower the accolades on my behalf, as they hail Nigeria’s next FIFA youth championship winning coach in waiting (and first at the female level).
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*”I am not surprised with what the coach has done so far. I am not surprised at all, because he’s a well-tutored coach and largely tested as well. For somebody to handle Shooting Stars and get results for them, you should know what he is capable of.” – Solomon Adeshina Scala)
*”As a coach, I am proud of him. In this part of the world, grassroots coaches are underrated, not appreciated and we are always belittled. So, since Coach Busari has been able to surmount all odds, he should be celebrated. I strongly believe they will return from Morocco 2026 with the winning medal and trophy,” – Goldenmouth Chilaka (Mr Anchorage)
*”It is quite disheartening that the kind of leaders we have hardly give grassroots coaches the attention and support they deserve. However, the Flamingos have displayed resilience, character and an impressive fighting spirit throughout the competition.” – Moses Odubela
*”I am also happy that Coach Akeem Busari has proved me right, when we gave him an award in 2014. It was at the annual Pison Divine Royals Grassroots Sports Awards, when we recognised him for his performances in grooming future stars for Nigeria.” – Oscar Ezinwa Emmanuel
*”I am very happy for myself as a coach. I am happy for Busari and Nigerian coaches as a whole.” – Jide Oguntuase
*”Kudos to Akeem Busari and his entire coaching staff. The Flamingos gave everything. They showed character, determination, fighting spirit and incredible teamwork to overcome Brazil and book their place in the final.” – Olushola Kuforiji (Samba)
*”What a fantastic moment for Nigerian women’s football. The Flamingos’ victory over Brazil is a huge achievement. Beating a football powerhouse like Brazil on the world stage takes courage, discipline, teamwork and belief.” – Chinasa Ukandu
*”When a team carries a mental strength to this stage in a tournament, it is difficult to pause the momentum. The girls are enjoying their football. The coach, Akeem Busari, must be commended for a good job.” – Aisha Falode
